If you’re looking for the best walks in Poole, you’ve come to the right place.
From gorgeous nature reserves to picturesque coastal paths, there’s something for everyone in this incredible corner of England.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
I’m here to share my favorite 15 walks in Poole – join me as I lead you through the best of the best!
Brownsea Island Nature Reserve
Brownsea Island Nature Reserve is the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, offering stunning scenery and the chance to spot some of the area’s unique wildlife!
A visit to this reserve starts with a ferry ride across the stunning Poole Harbour, giving you the perfect opportunity to admire the views from the water.
Once on the island, you can take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the native flora and fauna.
As you wander, you may spot some of the island’s wildlife, including the endangered red squirrels, rare birds, and the impressive red deer.
With its tranquil atmosphere, fascinating wildlife, and breathtaking views, Brownsea Island Nature Reserve is a must-visit for anyone looking for the best walks in Poole.
Poole Harbour and Coast Walk
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Poole Harbour and Coast Walk, a stunning journey of natural splendor! This 3-mile walk takes you along the stunning Dorset coastline, providing views of the harbour, Brownsea Island, and a number of other islands.
Along the way, you can take in the picturesque scenery, which includes a variety of wildlife habitats, shoreline mudflats, and ancient woodland. You might even spot some of the rare species that inhabit the area, such as the red squirrel.
The walk is perfect for those looking to take in the natural beauty of the area, while also getting some fresh air and exercise. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the views, plus opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Poole Harbour and Coast Walk is sure to provide a wonderful experience.
Upton Country Park
Explore the stunning Upton Country Park and experience the beauty of the Dorset countryside! This scenic park is located in the small town of Poole and features stunning grounds, trails, and views of the surrounding area.
The park’s beautiful gardens, meadows, and woodlands make it a great place to explore on foot. From the highest point of the park, you can admire the views of the nearby harbour and islands. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rare plants, birds, and butterflies.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Upton Country Park has something for everyone. Enjoy the fresh air as you make your way around the park, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
With its scenic beauty and variety of activities, Upton Country Park is one of the best walks in Poole.
Corfe Castle and Environs
Admire the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle and its surrounding area! Corfe Castle, located in the Purbeck Hills of Dorset, is an iconic symbol of England’s history. It was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and was used as a royal fortress until the 17th century.
With its beleaguered walls and ruined towers, it still stands today as a reminder of England’s past. There are several walks around the castle that take in the beautiful countryside views, such as the Corfe Castle to Church Knowle walk which is a moderate route of about 4.5 miles.
This walk takes you through the stunning Purbeck countryside and offers stunning views of Corfe Castle and Corfe Common. There are also more challenging longer walks available in the area, such as the Corfe Castle to Swanage walk which is a strenuous route of about 8.5 miles.
This walk takes you through the picturesque countryside and along the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, offering spectacular views of the coastline and Corfe Castle. Whether you are looking for a gentle stroll or a challenging hike, the area around Corfe Castle has something for you!
Wareham Riverside Walk
Take a tranquil stroll along the Wareham Riverside Walk for a peaceful and captivating experience!
This delightful walk runs along the River Frome and is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike.
It’s an easy walk, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The 4.3km route, which starts and finishes at Wareham Quay, takes you through the heart of Wareham, past many of its historical buildings and monuments.
Along the way, you will pass by the old town walls, the Saxon church, and the old bridge.
From the riverbank, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
The walk is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, while taking in the beauty of the area.
Come and explore the peaceful riverside walk and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Purbeck Way
Leaving behind the Wareham Riverside Walk, the next stop on my adventure is The Purbeck Way.
This beautiful stretch of coastline is full of wonderful surprises, and the scenery is breathtaking.
The Purbeck Way is an incredible walk that takes you through some of the most stunning locations in the Poole area.
From the rolling hills to the secluded woodlands, the route has a variety of landscapes to explore.
With the help of the local wildlife, you can get up close and personal with some of the area’s most unique creatures.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely activity, you can simply soak up the views and take in the fresh sea air.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, The Purbeck Way is sure to provide.
Studland Circular Walk
Experience the breathtaking beauty of nature on the Studland Circular Walk – a winding path through lush landscapes and stunning seascapes.
This picturesque path, located near Poole, offers a unique glimpse into the stunning countryside of the area. The route stretches for about seven miles along the coast, starting and ending at the village of Studland.
Along the way, hikers will find a variety of stunning sights, from rolling green fields to vast sandy beaches. The walk is also perfect for bird-watching, with a variety of species inhabiting the area.
The Studland Circular Walk is the perfect way to explore the area’s stunning beauty. The route takes you through quaint villages, along dramatic cliffs, and around the iconic Old Harry Rocks.
The area also offers plenty of opportunities to take in the wild flora and fauna of the region. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, the Studland Circular Walk is sure to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
The South West Coast Path
Having explored the beautiful Studland Circular Walk, I’m now setting my sights on an even longer walking adventure along the South West Coast Path.
This 630-mile trail hugs the coastline from Minehead in Somerset all the way around to Poole Harbour in Dorset, offering spectacular views and ample opportunities to explore some of the most beautiful coastline in Britain.
The South West Coast Path is the longest national trail in the UK and is divided into a number of manageable chunks, with Poole Harbour being the final destination for many walkers.
Along the way, you can experience a range of landscapes, from the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park to the dramatic rocky coves of the Jurassic Coast.
You can also stop off in quaint coastal villages, enjoy the local cuisine, and visit a number of stunning beaches.
With so much to explore, this is a walk that will keep you entertained and inspired every step of the way.
The Quay to The Quay
Discover the unique charm of Poole Harbour on the Quay to The Quay, a 7-mile walk that takes you from the bustling quayside to the tranquil shores of Studland Bay.
Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of beautiful landscapes, from the rolling hills of Dunyeats Nature Reserve to the sweeping views of Shell Bay.
The walk is relatively easy, and the route is well-marked with plenty of signposts, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way.
The entire walk can be completed in a single day, but you’ll want to plan on taking plenty of breaks to enjoy the stunning views and wildlife.
Along the way, you’ll also discover a number of interesting attractions, such as the historic Brownsea Island, the beautiful beaches of Shell Bay, and the tranquil waters of Poole Harbour.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Quay to The Quay walk is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Hamworthy Park
Enjoy an idyllic afternoon in Hamworthy Park, a charming waterfront park located on the edge of Poole Harbour.
Meander through the lush green spaces, rich with diverse wildlife, and take in the stunning views of the harbour.
Hamworthy Park is a great spot to pause and enjoy a picnic or stroll along the peaceful pathways and secluded beaches.
A highlight of the park is the iconic Turbine Tower, an impressive structure which stands at 40 metres tall and houses two turbines to generate electricity.
The park is also home to a wide range of children’s play equipment, including swings, slides, and a sandpit area, making it a great place to spend a fun-filled afternoon with the family.
On cooler days, the park’s cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with delicious food and drinks.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a fun-filled day out, Hamworthy Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
Upton Heath Nature Reserve
Explore the lush green trails of Upton Heath Nature Reserve for an unforgettable outdoor adventure! This nature reserve in Poole is a great spot for a peaceful stroll, making it perfect for both leisurely hikes and longer walks.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including dragonflies, butterflies, and birds, and is a great spot for a picnic.
There are also various paths of varying lengths throughout the reserve, making it possible to tailor the walk to your needs. Plus, the paths are well-maintained and marked with signs, making it easy to find your way around.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Upton Heath Nature Reserve is the perfect spot for a peaceful outdoor adventure.
Wareham Forest
Take a journey through Wareham Forest for a unique outdoor experience! Located near Wareham in Dorset, England, Wareham Forest is a large expanse of land full of natural beauty.
Its vast woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, owls, and many other creatures. Visitors can explore the forest by walking, biking, or horseback riding.
There are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from easy and short to challenging and long. The forest also offers stunning views of the nearby Purbeck Hills.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, Wareham Forest has something for everyone.
Corfe Common
A short drive away from Wareham Forest is Corfe Common, a picturesque spot offering sweeping views of Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills. This peaceful hillside is great for a gentle walk, with plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy. It’s also a great spot for picnics and family days out, as the views are simply stunning.
The common is surrounded by ancient woodlands, so you can really immerse yourself in nature and explore the area. In springtime, the area is full of wildflowers and wildlife, while in summer, the common is full of butterflies. There are even some old quarries to explore, so you can really make the most of your visit.
Badbury Rings
Just a short drive away from Corfe Common lies Badbury Rings, an ancient Iron Age hill fort that offers a unique glimpse into the past.
The circular earthwork is a National Trust property, and is surrounded by the stunning Purbeck countryside.
It’s a great spot for a walk, with a range of paths that offer varying degrees of difficulty.
The most popular route is the circular walk, which takes you past the old earthworks and around the surrounding area.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of wildlife, with hares, deer and badgers often seen in the area.
With its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Badbury Rings is a great place to take a break and relax while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or something a bit more adventurous, Badbury Rings is definitely worth a visit.
The Stour Valley Way
Stretching from the Jurassic Coast to the city of Poole, the Stour Valley Way is a spectacular walking route that offers stunning views of the countryside and coastline.
It’s a great way to explore the beautiful Dorset countryside, passing through a variety of landscapes, from ancient woodlands and rolling hills to tranquil meadows and meandering rivers.
Along the route, you’ll have the chance to discover some of the county’s history, as you come across old churches, castles, and many other historical sites.
You’ll also be able to enjoy the incredible views of the Purbeck Hills, Poole Harbour, and the Isle of Wight, with the South West Coast Path giving you the opportunity to discover even more of the region’s spectacular scenery.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Stour Valley Way has something for everyone.
With the stunning scenery, fascinating history, and variety of terrain, it’s no wonder why so many people come back to enjoy this unique walking route time and time again.
Conclusion
It’s been a great day out exploring the best walks in Poole.
There’s something for everyone, from the enchanting Badbury Rings to the beautiful Poole Harbour and Coast Walk.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous hike, Poole doesn’t disappoint.
I’ve had an incredible day, and I can’t wait to come back and explore some more.
There’s so much to see and do in this stunning corner of England, and I’m sure I haven’t seen the half of it yet.
I’m already looking forward to my next visit!